Melissa Kirkwood - Nutritionist

Oh, hi. It’s me. The girl who hasn’t posted since early November. I hope you’re all well 😬

Instagram became a really noisy place for me. When you’re in the health field, there’s A LOT of noise, a lot of trends, a lot of coaches, gurus, experts sharing their advice, and for me, well, I just didn’t want to add to that noise. People are overwhelmed as it is. I needed to take a step back and reassess what I actually want to share on social media.

I want to post because I have something worthwhile to share that will benefit someone’s life. Not because of an algorithm or for likes. And don’t get me started on reels 🫠 A big part of my job at Natural Super Kids is social media.. so that takes up my capacity for being online, and creating content. The cup is 90% full.

But I do want to share the things that I’m learning along the way because I’m about to do some cool PD in the field of reproductive health & also more learning in the pregnancy space. I can’t promise that I’ll be posting on a regular schedule, but I am here if you need any help/advice - just pop into my DM’s.

If you’re needing 1:1 care, my books are open via Natural Super Kids.

Chat soon ✨❤️

Another wonderful week in clinic helping little bodies recover & restore back to optimal health 👧🏻

This week in clinic I saw:
✨ 18 month old with multiple food intolerances and eczema;
✨ 16 month old with food sensitivities and persistent gut issues including abdominal pain & discomfort;
✨ 13 month old recovering from a bout of gastro;
✨ 6 year old with ongoing sinus congestion & low iron;
✨ 7 year old with eczema;

A huge week for me off the back of welcoming 323 new members into our Klub membership, but feeling very grateful to do what I do.

If you’re looking for some guidance around your child’s well-being, I have appointments available from November 15th

Big thank you to for my fancy, profesh photos x

Popping in to quickly share something fun that happened yesterday 👩‍🎓✨

The pandemic delayed a lot, so it was so nice to finally celebrate with everyone (including graduates from 2020) x

Japa; the meditative repetition of a mantra ✨

I am heading offline tonight and will be off my social media accounts while I participate in a 40-day Japa Journey.

See you soooon ✌🏼📿

“Releasing control and trusting natures plan for us” ✨🌔

The slow transition to growing out my grey hair.

I am very grey. Very, very grey. And whilst going to the hairdresser is nice, it takes up so much time when you’re trying to manage hiding grey hair.

So I’m making the transition to going fully grey. Very slowly, of course. Because I don’t have the courage to go cold turkey and let it grow out naturally, or to cut it all off and start fresh.

My hair has been every colour under the sun, but I’ve yet to commit to natural since I was 18. So let’s see how this turns out.

Also, this is the longest my hair has been since I was a teenager! It feels so strange to not have a bob 🙃

If you’ve given up on the hairdresser & gone natural, and have any tips. Let me know below x

Preconception Care ~ Your eggs 🥚

When it’s time to start a family, the quality of your eggs is crucial. Quality refers to the potential for the egg to be successfully fertilised and become a viable pregnancy.

Women may have a high quantity of eggs, however if the quality of those eggs is poor, a number of issues can arise such as chromosomal abnormalities, and miscarriage.

I recently read of a study in a fertility book which stated that chromosomal abnormalities cause more miscarriages than any other cause - of 500 women with a known history of two or more miscarriages, 41% of those miscarriages were found to be caused by a chromosomal abnormality in the fetus. Another study found more than half of all first-trimester miscarriages are cause by chromosomal abnormalities.

Most think that chromosomal abnormalities are beyond our control, however, recent research states that chromosomal abnormalities can be influenced by nutrients and lifestyle factors.

The chances of carrying a successful pregnancy is very much determined by your egg quality, which can be adapted through dietary and lifestyle changes and the correct nutrients.

Having a solid preconception period of a minimum of 3 months is crucial for creating good quality eggs. This involves diet, reducing/eliminating alcohol, eliminating smoking, reducing stress, removing toxins (especially BPA), having the right pre-natal nutrients and good quality sleep.

If you’re thinking of starting a family, and you’d like to work together to improve the quality of your eggs then I would love to help. Consultations available on Wednesdays & Fridays via the link in my bio x

It's 10am, you've hardly slept, your baby has been on the b**b for what feels like forever and you realise you haven't had any food except the crusts from your toddler's vegemite toast.

You don't have the time or the hands to whip up a meal until the baby goes down for a nap, but you're desperate for some nutrient-rich snacks that you can eat with one hand.

Don't worry.. here's a list I prepared earlier.

When it comes to breastfeeding snacks, I always advise my clients to ensure they are:
😊 Able to be eaten one-handed.
😊 Can be prepared ahead of time and in bulk (chia puds, overnight oats, bliss balls, boiled eggs etc)
😊 Can pack a punch when it comes to nutrients - we really want to aim for high protein and high fat to sustain you.
😊 Easy to eat, find, grab at 3 in the morning.

Here are a few of my fav suggestions. A lot of these items you can "pimp up" aka boost their nutrient value. So for instance:
😊 adding nut butters to the dates, chia puddings, overnight oats.
😊 having avo with your nori sheets.
😊 Adding a protein powder to the bliis balls, chia puddings, overnight oats.
😊 Using a high-protein yoghurt in the chia puddings and overnight oats;
😊 Using nuts and seeds as toppings;
😊 Use veggie sticks or a seed cracker with your liver pate.

PS: Don't forget to drink water. Super important!

Let me know in the comments below what your favourite breastfeeding snack is/was.

A few of my clinic desk favourites.

Too often we feel guilty for doing nothing.

For spending a day not doing chores, ticking off something on the go-do list or working on a work project.

But I’m here to tell you that it’s okay to rest. Rest days are more important than running errands, and the chore will still be there tomorrow.

If your body feels like it needs to have a day of rest - please don’t ignore this and push through. Listen to what your body needs, and if your body needs the couch and a Seinfeld marathon - this is completely okay ✨💕

Congee ✨ A delicious slow-cooked rice stew that’s gentle on the digestive system.
It warms the digestion and thus the entire body, can enhance milk production, improve hydration of the body & reduce inflammation.

All in all, it is perfect for the postpartum period. Mothers in their first trimester who are struggling with nausea would also benefit from congee.

Put your hand up if you've ever had to deal with an infant suffering from colic?

30% of babies are affected by colic and there is a higher risk of maternal depression in Mums of colicky babies. This makes total sense because there is nothing more stressful than an unsettled baby who won't stop crying.

The research on Lactobacillus reuteri DMS 17938 reducing the duration of crying time in babies suffering from colic is quite compelling.

The studies identified that infants with colic were less frequently colonised by Lactobacillus species and are more frequently colonised by the gas-forming Clostridium difficile, Escherichia species, and/or Klebsiella species.

The use of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 with a dose of 10 billion  CFU/day for 21 to 28 days significantly reduced the duration of crying episodes during the day.

So cool, right?

If you are experiencing colic in your family, I am here to help (with the help of my friend L. Reuteri). You can book a consultation with me via the link in my bio.

doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000009375

Mid year break ✨

All around we see how we can support mothers in their postpartum period. But what happens to the mothers who return home without their baby? Do we offer them the same support, or do we shy away because we aren’t quite sure how to manage grief, and the heartache that comes along with the loss of a child.

I want to express that I am available for all levels of support to mothers who experience infant loss, or the loss of any child through miscarriage, still birth, SIDS or illness. Whilst I have no background in psychology, I do have first hand experience of the true magnitude of infant loss and how it can change a parents whole entire soul. Whilst my Mum is no longer here to speak of her loss of my baby brother who passed of SIDS, I believe that my empathic, nurturing & understanding approach to family situations comes from my upbringing from parents who felt gut wrenching grief, and probably didn’t have the postpartum support they truely required.

We all need support after birth, even the families who return home with grief. They probably need it even more in that moment.

So please know, if you are someone, or know of someone who faces this reality that I am here to help. We don’t have to speak it out, I will just turn up with food and pour you a bath. I will just make sure you’re okay, and you’re safe to close out this postpartum journey.

If you have experienced infant loss of any kind, I send you much love & hope you felt supported ✨

Getting out of my comfort zone & resigning from safe, consistent income to build my doula business ✨

Today I quit one of my steady jobs that I’ve held for a couple of years to free up space to create the things I really want in my life. In a time where everything is becoming more expensive, it was quite a daunting decision to reduce my steady income, but I’m trusting that everything will fall into place.

So Thursdays are now my Doula Days ✨

I recently ran into a client I hadn’t seen in a while and her Mum on the street and had to email the clients Mum to confirm that it was actually my client that was with her.

She was thriving. Everything about her was unrecognisable and I just couldn’t be more proud with how much progress she has made since her initial consultation.

Her Mum sent through some kind words, and it really put it in to perspective why we do what we do. Through gentle, holistic coaching and small, sustainable changes we can change peoples perspective with food. Changes that encourage people to have a good relationship with food, and to be kind to their bodies, and to nourish their mind.

Educating teenagers on proper nutrition, and not some TikTok fad can change the entire direction of their health, and their life. So proud of her 🤭

Weekly homemade sourdough since Lockdown #1, March 2020 by Boswell’s Bakery.

The starter is still going strong 💪🏻

Postpartum Support available ✨

I have a couple of packages to suit everyone’s different needs. From full postpartum care that includes a weekly visit for 6 weeks, to a one-off visit just so you can catch your breath.

Scroll through to see how I can assist your family, and reach out if you’d like to chat about your postpartum chapter xo

Getting our dose of Vitamin D & warming our bones from the beautiful sun we seem to only see twice a week in Brisbane ☀️

With the number of people being struck down by Influenza A & C*vid of late, supporting our immune systems is crucial at the moment.

A few easy ways to support your immune system:
☀️ Get out in nature whenever you can. If it’s a sunny day that’s an added bonus.
💧 Stay hydrated. Minimum 2L per day.
🏋️‍♀️Get your body moving to improve to support lymphatic drainage.
🧄 Incorporate foods that support your immune system such as garlic, bone broth, spices, berries, saurkraut, ginger, turmeric, herbal teas.
💩 Make sure your gut is happy & healthy. You might need to add some probiotics, probiotics or added fibre.
💤 Priortise sleep.
😩 Try to reduce your stress levels. Viruses can smell a stressed body from a mile away.
🏡 Stay home and rest if you’re feeling under the weather.

🥝 For additional support for you or your little ones, or to obtain practitioner-only supplements and advice - consider booking a 1:1 consultation with me (link in my bio)

I’ve attended many baby showers in my time, and I’m guilty of buying the muslin wraps, and the onesies.

But since becoming a postpartum doula myself, and educating myself on what mothers really need, I know it’s not another 0000 onesie.

It’s a nourishing meal they don’t have to cook, or knowing that on Friday, Claire the no-tox house cleaner is coming to scrub the toilets for her or opening her email to find an Uber eats voucher when she’s stuck on the couch starving, but cluster feeding.

If you’re attending a baby shower for one of your friends, why not gather a group of friends and pitch in for a bigger gift that’s going to have a bigger impact.

Here are some of my favourite ideas..

Want to know a really simple change that will improve the health of your family?

Visit your local farmers market every week.

You might be wondering HOW this simple act can improve your health, and here’s why..

🥦 You’ll be eating seasonally;
🥦 If you’re a parent, it’s a great way to show kids where food comes from, and allows them to choose produce that they want to try;
🥦 You’ll reduce supermarket temptations;
🥦 You’re more inclined to try new fruits & veggies. We aim to try something new each week - this week we are trying a Sopsour;
🥦 You’re supporting local farmers & stimulating local economy;
🥦 You have access to the farmer, so you can ask questions about farming practices, how to cook the produce etc;
🥦 You’re out in the fresh air and sunshine which is good for your soul;
🥦 Overall, positive benefits for your gut microbiome, nervous system, immune system and much more.
🥦 Finally, most markets have dogs everywhere & that’s the most positive thing for your health according to me.

🫐 Where is your fav farmers market? And what’s your fav thing to buy there?

A very boring, but important reminder.

Hands up if you’re terrible at drinking water in the colder months 🙋🏻‍♀️

Things I’m finding that are helping me keep my water consumption of 2L up.
🫖 herbal teas
🫖 boiling the kettle in the morning & drinking that warmer water during the day
🫖 warm water in a thermos (easier to drink in this colder weather)
🫖 drinking broths & soups
🫖 adding fresh lemon & ginger to a jug
🫖 keeping a 1.5L bottle with you at all times

If you have any handy tips for keeping your water intake up during the colder months, let me know below x

My latest obsession: Sardines 🎣

Often people turn their nose up at the thought of eating sardines, but trust me when I say you should consume them regularly, because they are packed with nutrition.

🐟 They’re high in omega-3 fatty acids;
🐟 A serve contains 15g of protein;
🐟 Great source of iron, calcium, Vitamin B12, magnesium, zinc & Vitamin D (make sure you eat the bones);
🐟 Low levels of Mercury;
🐟 Safe to consume during pregnancy & highly beneficial for brain & vision development of the baby.

If you’re in your preconception to postpartum phase, I recommend 2-3 serves of sardines per week. Ensure they are not in sunflower/canola oil. I prefer olive oil or spring water.

Recipe to try:
✨ Toast 2 pieces of sourdough.
✨ Once toasted, rub warm toast with a garlic clove and then top with butter, chopped tomato & a sprinkle of salt.
✨ Add sardines & a drizzle of lemon juice. Add red onion, pinch of salt and pepper and a drizzle of good quality olive oil.
✨ You can also garnish with herbs such as parsley or basil.

Are you a fan of sardines?

It’s time for me to jump back into consulting as a qualified clinical nutritionist after a 8 month hiatus to rest my brain & body post uni (something that was really important for me to do after a gruelling 4 years of uni).

I will be consulting on Wednesday & Friday mornings through and to launch my services we are offering 20% off all consultations until June 30, 2022. Simply enter the code NUTRITION20 when booking your appointment (link is in my bio).

Not only will you have my support through your consultations & health journey, but you will have advice from Jessica Donovan, a naturopath with 22 years experience & founder of Natural Super Kids who is my mentor.

I’m so excited for this next chapter, and can’t wait for my first consultation with a Mum & her 4 month old on Wednesday morning 🥰

I am excited to announce that I am now available for consultations through Natural Super Kids. If you are seeking qualified advice in the areas of preconception, pregnancy, postpartum & or infant care, I would love to help.

I support LGBTQ+ parents and all aspects of conceiving including donor & fertility treatment and offer a safe space during consultations.

https://www.naturalsuperkids.com/book-a-consultation

Meet our new Natural Super Kids Practitioner, Mel 😃

I am excited to introduce you all to Mel, our NSK Clinical Nutritionist. Mel has been a part of the Natural Super Kids team since last August working as our Customer Engagement + Social Media Content Coordinator, and I am pleased to announce that she will now be stepping into a consulting role as our Clinical Nutritionist.

Mel is a qualified clinical nutritionist and postpartum doula specialising in preconception, pregnancy, postpartum care, and infant nutrition. ⁠At Natural Super Kids, we are excited to offer individualised care to those who are currently growing their families. The health of the child starts well before birth, and we are looking forward to educating our clients in this area of focus.
⁠
Mel will be available for consultations on Wednesday & Friday mornings from June 1st. To book a consultation with Mel - click the link in our below & select "Click here to book an appointment with Melissa" on our Practitioner page.

https://naturalsuperkids.as.me/schedule.php?calendarID=6287119

So often when we are busy, and on the run we forget to stop and breathe properly. A big, deep, full belly breath.

If you’re feeling a bit scattered and constantly in go-go-go mode, I would encourage you to stop right now, shut down your eyes, relax and drop your shoulders, and take five long breaths. In through your nose & then out through your mouth.

I hope you feel the difference in your body, and it encourages you to stop and do this more often throughout your busy day.

Hi 👋🏼

It’s been a while since I showed my face (and to be honest, this photo was from 4 years ago.. Look at baby Augie 🥰)

I’ve had a couple of new followers of late, so I thought I would introduce myself properly.

✨ I graduated from in September, 2021 as a Clinical Nutritionist.

✨I am currently studying with to become a Postpartum Doula. Which if you know me personally, makes perfect sense. I was a nanny for 10 years prior to becoming a Nutritionist & supporting families has always been my objective.

✨ I am on the Kids Health & Nutrition]] team and assist .co in supporting our members (over 900 families) through my role as Customer Support & Social Media Manager. As a new-grad this has been the most incredible opportunity for me, and I can’t wait to see Kids Health & Nutrition]] and my role continue to grow.

✨ I will also be expanding my role at Kids Health & Nutrition]] by offering Nutrition Consultations very soon.

✨ From May, I will be taking on 1-2 Postpartum Doula clients per month & I have three offerings at the moment; One-Off Postpartum Planning & a 6 or 12 week in-home care package for South-East Queensland families. I will only be offering this service one day per week, and numbers limited to ensure my clients have my full attention.

✨ The small bearded lady in my photo is our miniature schnauzer Augie who features frequently in my stories. She’s very sassy & demanding.

If you are interested to work with me in any capacity, I would love to hear from you. Send me a DM & we can have a chat x